Veneers Q & A

What are veneers?

Veneers are very thin shells or covers that are placed on the surfaces of teeth to correct cosmetic issues. Made of very durable materials, veneers can be tinted to match the neighboring teeth and carefully shaped so they blend in beautifully.

What types of cosmetic issues can be corrected with veneers?

Veneers can be used to correct many aesthetic issues including:

gaps between teeth

teeth with worn edges

cracked or chipped teeth

deeply discolored teeth

teeth that appear crooked

teeth that appear too short (a “gummy” smile)

Because they’re very comfortable and durable, veneers have become a popular alternative to larger crowns for correcting many cosmetic defects in the front teeth. Their translucent quality helps them look more like natural teeth so restorations are undetectable.

How will my veneer be applied?

Veneers may require one or two office visits, depending on the type of veneer selected. The application begins by preparing the tooth by removing a very small layer of the tooth surface to make room for the veneer to sit properly without extending over or above neighboring teeth. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression will be made of the tooth and sent to the dental lab where the veneer will be molded, shaped and tinted for a perfect match. A bonding agent will be applied to the tooth surface at the first visit to protect the tooth while the permanent veneer is being made. At the second visit, the tooth surface will be cleaned and the veneer will be applied with a special adhesive. Other veneers may be fitted and applied in just one office visit. These veneers use a technique called CEREC, which relies on computer-aided design technology to create the veneer right in the office so it can be applied the same day.

How long will my veneer last?

With proper care, including regular brushing and flossing and routine dental visits, veneers can last for 10 years or longer. To keep veneers looking their best, don’t chew on ice, hard candy or other hard foods and never use teeth as prying tools.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

At The Smiling Dentist, we accept most major insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed.